The Star claims that the Red Devils were ready to listen to offers for Argentine defender Marcos Rojo, and could have sent him to Monaco as part of the deal for Martial, although this move never materialised.

Rojo has been out of favour at Old Trafford for some time now, despite initially looking impressive after joining from Sporting Lisbon in last summer’s transfer window.

Even with a shortage of options at centre-back, Louis van Gaal has favoured midfielder Daley Blind as Chris Smalling’s partner in central defence so far this season, and the Star adds that Rojo will hold talks with his manager after this international break.

Monaco were also said to be interested in taking former United striker Javier Hernandez as part of the exchange for Martial, though by this point the Mexican international had already agreed to join Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen and was no longer available.

In the end, United got their man, but there is still much work to be done by Van Gaal to find harmony in his unsettled squad, with the Daily Mirror reporting again that David de Gea’s situation is uncertain, despite recent reports from AS [via ESPN] that he could sign a new contract.